Today, we continue our series, “Kingdom Foreshadowed,” which explores the Bible from Exodus to Second Kings. This sermon focuses on the Ten Words, commonly known as the Ten Commandments, and their connection to the New Testament teachings in Galatians.
The Ten Words: A Love Document
What Are the Ten Words?
Often referred to as the Ten Commandments, the Ten Words are better understood as a love document rather than a set of rules. These words were given to the Israelites after their rescue from slavery in Egypt, outlining how they should live as God’s rescued and delivered people. They emphasize loving God fully and loving your neighbor as yourself.
The Connection to Genesis
The Ten Words are connected to the ten times God spoke in Genesis 1 and 2, bringing order out of chaos. Similarly, these words are meant to guide the Israelites in living a life of love and order after their deliverance.
Living by the Spirit: Insights from Galatians
Freedom in Christ
Galatians 5:13-18 emphasizes that we are called to be free, but this freedom is not for indulging the flesh. Instead, it is for serving one another humbly in love. Paul summarizes the entire law with the command, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
The Conflict Between Flesh and Spirit
Paul explains that the desires of the flesh are contrary to the Spirit. Living by the Spirit means not gratifying the desires of the flesh but being led by the Spirit, which frees us from the law.
The Fall and Exile: A Deeper Understanding
The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve’s sin of eating from the Tree of Knowledge led to their exile, symbolizing spiritual death. This condition of exile and separation from the Tree of Life has been passed down to all of us.
Made Alive in Christ
Through Christ, we are made alive and given access to the Tree of Life once again. This new life is not earned by following rules but is a gift of grace, enabling us to live by the Spirit.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Deposit of Our Inheritance
Holy Spirit is described as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. This means that the presence of the Holy Spirit in us is just a glimpse of the full life we will experience in God’s kingdom.
Producing Fruit
The Holy Spirit produces fruit in us, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are relational and help us love others well.
The Greatest Commandments: Love God and Love Your Neighbor
Jesus’ Summary of the Law
In Matthew 22:34-40, Jesus summarizes the law with two commandments: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. These two commandments are interconnected; loving God fully enables us to love others well.
The Golden Rule
Matthew 7:12, often known as the Golden Rule, encapsulates this teaching: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” This principle sums up the law and the prophets and emphasizes treating others with the same love and respect we desire.
Life Application
Living Out the Ten Words
Understanding the Ten Words as a love document changes how we live. It’s not about following rules but about loving God and others. This week, challenge yourself to:
- Pray for Your Neighbors: Make it a daily habit to lift up your neighbors in prayer, asking God to move in their lives.
- Serve Humbly in Love: Look for opportunities to serve others humbly and lovingly, reflecting the freedom you have in Christ.
- Yield to the Holy Spirit: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your interactions, helping you produce the fruit of the Spirit in your life.
Reflective Questions
- How can I better love my neighbors this week?
- In what areas of my life do I need to yield more to the Holy Spirit?
- How can I serve others humbly and lovingly in my daily interactions?
By focusing on these applications, we can live out the love and freedom that Christ has given us, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us.
Thank you for joining us today. We look forward to continuing this journey through the Bible with you. Next week, we’ll delve into the Tabernacle and its significance. God bless you!
This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
